Cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar on Sunday said that playing international cricket for 24 years has been the most important thing, and added that even though he would not be physically playing for India, he would always be praying for India's victory.

"Playing international cricket for 24 years was the most important thing of my life. Cricket has been my life; it is my oxygen. 75 percent of my life has been cricket. It still has not struck me that I will not play cricket anymore," he told media here today.

"Those 22 yards have given me everything in my life, it is a temple for me. I wanted to say a big thank you to cricket. Even though physically I am not playing for India, in my heart I will always be playing for India, and praying for India's victory," he added.

He further said that that he is extremely honoured on being awarded the Bharat Ratna, and said that this prestigious award is dedicated to millions of mothers in India for all the sacrifices they have made for their children.  Show less